REGENT THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23884, 11 August 1939, Page 7

REGENT THEATRE

" INVITATION TO HAPPINESS ”

Drama that is poignant and close to the heart, told in a story that .is notable for its emotional sweep, its moments of vigorous action and its downright human appeal, will unfold on the screen of the Regent Theatre when Paramount’s “ Invitation to Happiness” is presented to-day to local audiences for the first time. Starring Irene Dunne and Fred MacMurray, featuring Charlie Ruggles. Billy Cook, William Collier, sen., and Marion Martin, the picture was produced and directed by Wesley Ruggles. The fine touch of Ruggles and his writing collaborator, Claude Binyon, is clearly evident in this picture This team, which has come through with a long line of hits, including “ Sing You'Sinners” and “I Met Him in Paris,” has taken an every-day story and translated it into dramatic terms which will be clearly understood by every audience. The story starts to unfold with Charlie Ruggles, Fred Mac Murray’s manager, going to his old friend, William Collier, sen., father of Irene Dunne, and asking him for a stake to help his young fighter along. Collier decides to help him, but Irene intervenes to make certain that her father is not being cheated. When she meets Mac Murray she is impressed with the difference in his outlook on life as contrasted with that of the men whom she has known in society. He is restrained, and tells her that he would rather spend his time with Marion Martin, entertainer in a night club. This only serves to spur Irene on—and so they are married. Fred is determined to pursue his career as a fighter, and Irene has to resign herself to long periods of loneliness. During one of Fred’s barnstorming trips, a son is born to the couple Irene is heartbroken at Fred’s absence, but forgives him. The drama progresses to its central emotional problem when, 10 years later, the growing son (played by Billy Cook), hales his father because he realises that his mother is lonely when his father is away.